Remove super hard mortar on vinyl plank flooring
I had backsplash tile and a fireplace facing installed. The installer slopped cementious mortar on my new vinyl plank flooring. [It is really amazing to me that the installers did what seems to be such a good tile install job while slopping the mortar all over the floors, and especially not covering the floors, but that’s done.] I’ll just skip forward because it doesn’t do any good to discuss the why’s or why not’s. I just need to know how to get this off my new flooring. There are fairly good sized raised blobs, some patches, and it is pretty extensive. There are some areas where I was able to pop the pieces off the flooring successfully, but what’s left is really adhered. I have tried soaking with hot water for a couple of hours. That didn’t work. I read about Sakrete concrete dissolver with mixed reviews, and as I have to order it since it isn’t available in any stores around me, I am holding off on that for now. I would appreciate any help. I REALLY do not want to have to pull up this new flooring and replace. Photos attached. It is not very evident from them how big or raised the blobs are, they don’t look as bad in the photos.
Replies
I would try some white vinegar first and if that doesn't work oxalic acid from the paint store. Apply to just the grout and see what happens. If you have a leftover piece of flooring try it on there first. Failing that you may have to try stronger acids. I don't think they would hurt the floor since they are in vinyl bottles.
White vinegar on a cloth and then leave the cloth on the mortar should work, however, you could using a plastic putty knife/scraper to clean off the lumps-as previously mentioned, try it on a scrap piece to be sure it doesn't scratch. some ice on the surface might help as cooling the surface/mortar should make it shrink and break loose.
forgot to mention, call the tile guy and have him come over to clean things up before you give it a shot, he should have more practice at removal plus he should have cleaned it up before leaving the job site
Thank you for your suggestions. It's not an option to have them back. I did manage to chip/scrape off the chunks and now it's just going to be getting the little bit that is in the grooves of the flooring. I will give the vinegar a shot on a sample piece. Thanks--
when using the vinegar, give it time to work but keep an eye on it as it is acetic acid and you don't want "spots" where you used it. use a toothbrush to work material out of the grooves and be sure to clean off/flush the vinegar off when you're done. Some water w/baking powder should neutralize the acid. It may also do a little foaming action
check with the vinyl manufacturer about what can damage the product
good luck
https://www.custombuildingproducts.com
thinset web site - they should know how to clean it up, pretty sure you're not the only customer with the problem
good luck
A thin piece of hardwood, like a 1/4" x 2" piece of oak lattice cut into 24" pieces makes a good scraper without as much risk of scratching the floor. As the edge dulls you can cut off a sliver to make a new sharp edge. Then attack the ingrained bits with lots of water and a scotch-brite pad.
from thinset manufacturer
Francisco Macias
Mon, 04/20/20 1:48 pm
First we would suggest removing these large spots with a simple plastic putty knife, do a test area first in an inconspicuous spot to make sure it doesn't harm the vinyl. Once the areas are down to a thin haze, a mild solution of vinegar should remove the residue of the cement thin set however, again confirm with the vinyl mfg that the vinegar will not harm the vinyl.
We hope this information is helpful
Message: thought you might want to see this posting in finehomebuilding - maybe your company has a better solution than the rest of us
https://www.finehomebuilding.com/forum/remove-super-hard-mortar-on-vinyl-plank-flooring#comment-1272224?utm_medium=email&utm_source=notification&utm_campaign=comment_notification&utm_content=view
See More